This book presents chapters 12 to 19 of Henry Coulter's book The West of Ireland: Its Existing Condition and Prospects, first published in 1862. It offers local historians and genealogists access to print version of this important historic source related to Mayo. His travels took him to Cong, Ballinrobe, Westport, Castlebar, Belmullet and Ballina and their surrounding districts. Coulter was special correspodent for the West of Ireland on the Saunder's Newsletter. While on a four month tour of the area he reported on the poor harvests and the prospect of impending famine. He reported on the state of agriculture and trade and particularly on the prospect of fuel scarcity after a very wet summer. With him we can explore the devastating effects of the decline of domestic industries, high rents and evictions in Mayo. He discusses landlords, gombeen men and the rundale system, reporting on efforts to improve the land and trade. Apart from from being of general historic interest, it is a rich and authentic source for those interested in the history of Mayo and the lives of Mayo ancestors they may have. This edition has been enhanced by the inclusion of an index and extensive footnotes not found in the original or in scanned editions found on the internet. It also includes the original faded illustrations, one of which is used on the cover.